Porte wins 5th stage but Dennis keeps lead

ADELAIDE, Australia (AFP) – Tasmanian Richie Porte blew the Tour Down Under field wide open on Willunga Hill Saturday but just failed to overhaul Rohan Dennis as overall leader of the UCI season-opening race.

Just as he had in 2014, Porte launched a stunning attack on the second and final climb up the notorious Willunga Hill to win the 151.5-kilometre stage in 3hr 37min 32sec.

Dennis crossed the line nine seconds behind Porte to retain the leader’s ochre jersey by two seconds heading into the final stage through the streets of Adelaide.